'42' An Inspiring, Well-Done Film (Exclusive Series)

*** This is a review that I wrote for the Examiner back in 2013 for the Jackie Robinson movie '42.'***

In the Warner Brothers/Legendary Pictures baseball drama "42," the drama tells the story of Jackie Robinson, a young African-American ballplayer who would eventually make baseball history. In between the 1946 and 1947 baseball seasons, Dodgers team executive Branch Rickey offers Robinson a chance to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers. During Robinson's first spring training, he successfully made it to their baseball franchise team at Montreal. While he was on the Montreal team, a few of the ballplayers would taunt him, trying to get Robinson to get off the team.

After a very successful season with the Montreal team, he finally makes it to the Brooklyn Dodgers. From there, Robinson proves to everyone that he can make it to the major leagues and show that he has what it takes to be the first African-American major league baseball player in baseball history.

"42" is a sports drama that features a lot of heart and a little bit of humor. The film can also be quite inspiring and exceptionally well-done. The performances that are shown in the film are also great. Chadwick Boseman, who plays Jackie Robinson, gives an over-whelming performance as the famous ballplayer.

So, if you are interested in seeing a historic baseball film, or enjoy baseball-themed films in particular, then "42" is highly recommended. "42" is a well-done drama that has a lot of heart and can be quite entertaining.

Actor Chadwick Boseman plays the title role of Jackie Robinson. Besides appearing in a few TV shows, Boseman also appeared in the 2008 football drama "The Express." Harrison Ford stars as Branch Rickey, the Dodgers executive who takes on the chance of hiring Robinson.

Other cast members include: Andre Holland (TVs 1600 Penn) as Wendell Smith, Christopher Meloni (True Blood; upcoming Man of Steel) as Leo Durocher, John C. McGinley (Alex Cross) as Red Barber, Lucas Black (Promised Land) as PeeWee Reese, Alan Tudyk (Wreck It Ralph) as Ben Chapman, Nicole Beharie (The Express) as Rachel Robinson and Brett Cullen (Red Dawn; The Guilt Trip) as Clay Hopper.

"42" is written and directed by Brian Helgeland, who has also worked on the screenplays for "Salt," "Robin Hood" and "Green Zone."

A feature film about Jackie Robinson has been in development for several years. In the mid 1990s, Spike Lee tried to make a Robinson bio starring Denzel Washington, but plans for the film never fell through. The role of Branch Rickey was actually intended for actor Robert Redford. The film also marks the first time that Harrison Ford has ever portrayed a real-life character.

"42" is rated PG-13 for thematic elements including language and has a running time of 128 minutes.